Girls who can't afford prom gowns can get a free dress at Project Prom

No matter what her family's financial situation is, members of The Junior League of Columbus believe that every girl should have a beautiful gown to wear on her prom day. Saturday's Project Prom event provides free prom dresses to junior and senior girls, with valid IDs, who cannot otherwise afford them.

On Saturday, March 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the League will host its second Project Prom dress giveaway at 2000 16th Avenue (St. Francis Wellness Center, near Lakebottom Park). Girls will have an opportunity to choose from hundreds of new and gently used dresses. They can also pick out shoes, purses and accessories to make their prom outfits complete. The dresses and accessories have been donated by league members and members of the community. No proof of income is necessary and shopping times are assigned on a first-come-first-shop basis.

"Project Prom promotes self-confidence and individual beauty by providing free prom dresses but it also provides an opportunity for the girls who to attend to learn how they can 'pay it forward' by volunteering in their own community. Giving back and getting involved creates a sense of community and belonging that builds self-confidence. Every girl who walks out of Project Prom will have a new found confidence not just because they have a beautiful dress but because they know they can make a difference in someone’s else life -- just as the League has in theirs," a new release states.